U.S. patent application number 11/673378 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for storage container and container system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rubbermaid Incorporated. Invention is credited to Brian D. Furlong.
Application Number | 20070187277 11/673378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38179559 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070187277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Furlong; Brian D. |
August 16, 2007 |
STORAGE CONTAINER AND CONTAINER SYSTEM
Abstract
A storage container system has a plurality of container bases
and a plurality of lids for the bases. Each of the bases has a
bottom, a continuous side wall extending up from the bottom and
terminating at a top edge, an interior storage space within the
side wall above the bottom, and an open top bounded by the top
edge. Each of the lids has a main panel section, a perimeter skirt
assembly around the main panel section, a top side, and a bottom
side. Each of the plurality of lids is configured to close off the
open top of any one of the plurality of container bases by
connecting the perimeter skirt assembly to the side wall near the
open top. A first snap structure is provided on each of the
plurality of lids. Each first snap structure has one component
configured to connect to a mating lid component of the first snap
structure on any other one of the plurality of lids to connect any
two of the plurality of lids together. A second snap structure
different from the first snap structure is also provided on each of
the plurality of lids. The second snap structure is configured to
connect to a mating base component on the bottom of the base to
connect any one of the plurality of lids to any one of the
plurality of container bases.
Inventors: |
Furlong; Brian D.;
(Davidson, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEMPIA FORMAN LLC
223 W. JACKSON BLVD.
SUITE 620
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Rubbermaid Incorporated
Huntersville
NC
|
Family ID: |
38179559 |
Appl. No.: |
11/673378 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60771658 |
Feb 9, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/515 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/0222 20130101;
B65D 21/0233 20130101; B65D 2543/00203 20130101; B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 21/0223 20130101; B65D
2543/00027 20130101; B65D 21/0222 20130101; B65D 21/022
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/515 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/00 20060101
B65D021/00 |
Claims
1. A storage container system comprising: a plurality of container
bases each having a bottom, a continuous side wall extending up
from the bottom and terminating at a top edge, an interior storage
space within the side wall above the bottom, and an open top
bounded by the top edge; a plurality of lids each having a main
panel section, a perimeter skirt assembly around the main panel
section, a top side, and a bottom side, each of the plurality of
lids configured to close off the open top of any one of the
plurality of container bases by connecting a part of the perimeter
skirt assembly to the side wall near the open top; a first snap
structure on each of the plurality of lids, each first snap
structure having one component configured to connect to a mating
lid component of the first snap structure on any other one of the
plurality of lids to connect any two of the plurality of lids
together; and a second snap structure different from the first snap
structure on each of the plurality of lids, the second snap
structure having a component configured to connect to a mating base
component on the base to connect any one of the plurality of lids
to any one of the plurality of container bases.
2. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein each of
the plurality of container bases can nest at least partially within
the interior storage space of the other container bases.
3. A storage container system according to claim 2, wherein at
least two of the plurality of container bases are identical in size
and shape to one another.
4. A storage container system according to claim 2, wherein
relative storage capacities of the interior storage spaces of at
least two of the plurality of container bases are different from
one another.
5. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein the
perimeter skirt assembly of each of the plurality of lids has a
channel formed within an inverted generally U-shaped annular
structure having an inner wall extending up from the main panel
section, a top wall, and an outer skirt wall depending from the top
wall and spaced from the inner wall to form the channel, which is
configured to receive the top edge of any one of the plurality of
container bases to cover the open top and close off the interior
storage space.
6. A storage container system according to claim 5, wherein one or
more annular lips projects radially inward from a portion of the
inner wall of the perimeter skirt assembly on the top side of each
of the plurality of lids to form the one component of the first
snap structure.
7. A storage container system according to claim 6, wherein the one
or more annular lips are positioned generally on the inner wall
adjacent the top wall of the perimeter skirt assembly.
8. A storage container system according to claim 6, wherein one or
more annular ribs depend downward and radially outward from the
bottom side of each of the plurality of lids to form the mating lid
component of the first snap structure, the one or more annular ribs
of each of the plurality of lids sized to snap beyond and rest
beneath the one or more annular lips of any other one of the
plurality of lids.
9. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein the one
component of the first snap structure is on a part of the perimeter
skirt assembly on the top side of each of the plurality of lids and
the mating lid component is on the bottom side of each of the
plurality of lids.
10. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein the
second snap structure is on the main panel section of each of the
plurality of lids.
11. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein the
main panel section of each of the plurality of lids has a recessed
region, a perimeter wall circumventing the recessed region, and one
or more undercuts formed radially inward into the perimeter wall
forming the second snap structure on each lid.
12. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein the
mating base component on the bottom of each of the plurality of
container bases includes one or more flanges extending radially
outward and spaced from the bottom of the base, the one or more
flanges sized to snap into the one or more undercuts of any one of
the plurality of lids.
13. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein the
mating base component on the bottom of each of the plurality of
container bases includes one or more flanges extending in a radial
direction and configured to snap into the second snap structure of
any one of the plurality of lids.
14. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein the
one component of each of the first snap structures includes one or
more lips extending radially inward on part of the top side of each
lid, and wherein the mating lid component of each of the first snap
structures includes one or more corresponding recesses facing
radially outward on part of the bottom side of each lid, and
wherein the one or more lips of one of the plurality of lids can
snap into the one or more recesses of any other of the plurality of
lids.
15. A storage container system according to claim 1, wherein the
mating base component on each of the plurality of container bases
includes one or more outwardly flared flanges extending from a foot
that depends from the bottom of the base, the one or more flanges
being configured to connect to the second snap structure on any one
of the plurality of lids.
16. A storage container comprising: a base having a bottom, a
continuous side wall extending up from the bottom and terminating
at a top edge, an interior storage space within the side wall above
the bottom, and an open top bounded by the top edge; a base part of
a lid-to-base snap structure on the bottom of the base; a lid
having a main panel section, a perimeter skirt assembly around the
main panel section, a top side, and a bottom side, the lid
configured to close off the open top with the bottom side facing
the interior storage space by connecting a part of the perimeter
skirt assembly to the side wall near the open top; and a lid part
of the lid-to-base snap structure on the top side of the lid
configured to snap to the base part of the lid-to-base snap
structure.
17. A storage container according to claim 16, wherein the lid part
of the lid-to-base snap structure includes one or more recesses in
an annular wall surrounding a recessed region in the top side of
the lid.
18. A storage container according to claim 17, wherein the base
part of the lid-to-base snap structure includes one or more flanges
extending in a radial direction from a foot on the bottom of the
base, the one or more flanges being sized to snap into the recessed
region of the lid and to be received in the one or more
recesses.
19. A storage container according to claim 16, further comprising:
a first component of a lid-to-lid snap structure on the top side of
the lid; and a second component of the lid-to-lid snap structure on
the bottom side of the lid, wherein the first and second components
of the lid-to-lid snap structure are not part of the lid component
of the lid-to-base snap structure, and wherein the lid-to-lid snap
structure permits the lid to be snap connected to another lid with
a like lid-to-lid snap structure.
20. A storage container according to claim 16, wherein the
perimeter skirt assembly of the lid has an inverted generally
U-shaped annular structure with an inner wall extending up from the
main panel section, an outer skirt wall spaced radially outward
from the inner wall, and a channel between the inner wall and outer
skirt wall, the channel configured to receive the top edge of the
side wall to cover the open top and close off the interior storage
space.
21. A storage container according to claim 20, further comprising:
one or more lips of a lid-to-lid snap structure extending radially
inward from the inner wall; and one or more recesses of the
lid-to-lid snap structure facing radially outward on the bottom
side of the lid, wherein the one or more lips and the one or more
recesses are not part of the lid component of the lid-to-base snap
structure, and wherein the lid-to-lid snap structure permits the
lid to be snap connected to another lid with a like lid-to-lid snap
structure.
22. A storage container according to claim 21, wherein the lid
includes one or more ribs extending radially outward and downward
from the bottom side that form the one or more recesses.
23. A storage container according to claim 21, wherein the lid is
snapped onto a lid of another storage container wherein the lid of
the other storage container also has a like lid-to-lid snap
structure.
24. A storage container according to claim 21, wherein the lid is
snapped to a stack of lids of other storage containers wherein the
lids of the other storage containers also have like lid-to-lid snap
structures.
25. A storage container according to claim 16, wherein the lid is
snapped onto the bottom of the base by connection of the lid
component to the base component of the lid-to-base snap
structure.
26. A storage container according to claim 16, wherein the lid is
installed covering the top opening of the base and wherein the lid
component of the lid-to-base snap structure is snapped to a base
component of a lid-to-base snap connector on a base of another
generally like storage container.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/771,658, which was
entitled "Storage Container System," and which was filed on Feb. 9,
2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to storage
containers, and more particularly to a storage container and
container system that includes multiple containers and multiple
lids with snap features so that the lids and containers may be
snapped together in various configurations either during use or
during non-use.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Conventional storage containers, such as for storing food
items, are commonly formed of generally or substantially rigid
plastic configurations. Plastic containers of this type generally
have a base and a lid that attaches to the base. The base typically
has a bottom and a side wall that together define an interior
storage space in the container. The lid can be attached to the base
to cover the open top and to seal the storage space.
[0006] Such plastic containers are generally available in a variety
of sizes to store or transport different volumes of food items.
Each size container typically includes a corresponding lid sized to
fit its associated container. A user will typically store empty
containers in a kitchen cabinet or pantry area when not in use.
When not being used, the lids often become separated from their
associated container bases. Users have expressed frustration over
lost or misplaced lids and the difficulty in finding the correct
lid for a selected container.
[0007] Some known container systems include lids that attach to the
bottom of their respective container bases to help manage the
containers and lids by keeping the lids and their corresponding
containers together. Such lids, when attached to the base bottoms,
often hinder space efficient stacking and storage of multiple
containers. However, the user still needs to find the specific lid
for the corresponding container base when the lids and container
bases become separated, such as during cleaning. This is because
containers of one storage capacity typically have lids specifically
sized for only those containers, and containers of another storage
capacity typically have lids of a different size.
[0008] During normal use, a container base is typically filled with
food items and covered with the lid. Users sometimes stack full
containers for refrigerator storage or for transport to a location
outside the home. However, the stacked containers tend to be
unstable and can slide off of each other and become separated. This
makes it difficult to keep the containers organized in refrigerated
storage and difficult to transport. A known storage container
system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,694, commonly assigned to
the assignee of the present patent, employs a lid and base
configuration whereby a base can rest on the lid of another
container and register with the lid. However, the lid of the
underlying base does not connect or attach to the base of the
overlying container.
[0009] One example of a prior art container system is shown and
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,617 and includes a plurality of
containers and a plurality of lids that can attach to one another
in a variety of ways. Each lid includes opposed male and female
fasteners centrally located with one fastener on each side of the
lid. The lids are connectable as a stack by interconnecting
adjacent male and female fasteners of adjacent lids. Additionally,
a stack of lids can be attached to a stack of nested containers.
Each container includes a female fastener, identical to the female
fastener on the lids, located on its bottom surface. The stacked
lids can be attached to the nested containers by snapping an
exposed one of the aforementioned male lid fasteners to an exposed
female fastener of the bottom of an exposed container. When full
and in use, these containers could be stacked upon one another, but
the stack would not be stable because of the small size and
configuration of the male and female connectors on the bases and
lids.
[0010] Another prior art container system is shown and described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,832 and includes a plurality of containers and
lids, Each lid is sized to fit only its associated container. The
inner surface of each lid is contoured either to snap-fit over the
open top or onto the bottom of its respective container. The
different sized containers can be stacked in a nested
configuration, one inside the other, while the lids remain attached
to the bottom of the corresponding container. The lids can not be
stacked together and the containers when full and in use can not be
stacked on top of one another in a stable arrangement.
[0011] Yet another prior art container system is shown and
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,128 and includes stackable
containers with lids. The containers have a first threaded segment
on an outer surface near the open top adapted to engage with a
first threaded segment on an inner surface of the lids so that the
lids close off the open top of the container. Additionally, each
lid includes a stepped portion of its top. The stepped portion
includes a second threaded segment sized and shaped to mate with a
second threaded segment formed within a lower rim of the container
so that the lids can thread to the bottom of adjacent containers
when stacked. A stable stack can be created, but the lids can not
attach to one another for storage and the threaded connection
method can be somewhat difficult to use, particularly with full
containers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a set of multiple storage
containers having different storage capacities and constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a one quarter vertical
cut-away section of a base and a lid that are representative of any
one of the storage containers from the set shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3A shows a center vertical cross section of the lid in
FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 3B shows a top perspective view of a three quarter
cut-away section of a corner of the lid in FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of the three quarter section of
the lid in FIG. 3B.
[0018] FIG. 4A shows a vertical center cross section of the lid and
base in FIG. 2 and with the lid attached over the open top of the
base.
[0019] FIG. 4B shows a top perspective view of a one quarter
cut-away section of the assembled container in FIG. 4A.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the three quarter
cut-away section of the lid in FIG. 3B and connected to a like lid
in a lid-to-lid stack.
[0021] FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of the base of the container
shown in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 6B shows a corner perspective view of a one quarter
cut-away section of the lid and base in FIG. 2 and with the lid
snapped onto the bottom of the base.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a corner perspective view of a one quarter
cut-away section of two bases as in FIG. 2 stacked together and two
stacked lids as in FIG. 5 attached to the bottom of the base
stack.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of a one quarter
cut-away section of three assembled containers as in FIG. 4B and
stacked on top of one another.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a container
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0026] The present invention is for a storage container and a
container system. The disclosed container and system solves or
improves upon one or more of the above-noted and other problems
with and disadvantages of currently known storage containers. The
disclosed container has a base and a lid. The lid has snap
structures, one for snapping the lid to other like lids and another
to snap the lid to the bottom of its base. The system includes
multiple container bases and lids. The container bases can all have
the same capacity, different capacities, or combinations and
multiples of varying same and different capacities.
[0027] In one example, multiple container bases can be provided
having varying storage space capacities with open tops that are
identical in size and shape regardless of interior capacity. The
lids can be identical one-size-fits-all or universal lids so that
any lid can be used with any container base regardless of base
storage capacity. In another example, the system can be provided
having multiple different sized container bases, some of which have
different sized open tops. In such an example, at least the
container bases of the same open top size and shape can have a lid
that is sized to fit the associated container bases. In each
example, the bases and/or lids can be snapped together in various
configurations either during use to store food items or during
non-use. The disclosed container bases and lids can be formed of
either a generally or substantially rigid plastic material and
retain the same size and shape whether in use or not.
[0028] The lids of the disclosed system include a first snap
feature that allows for a lid-to-lid snap connection. The lids also
include a second snap feature that cooperates with a corresponding
feature on the container bases to provide a lid-to-base bottom snap
connection. The lids and container bases can be snapped together in
a variety of configurations. Each lid also has a seal feature so as
to fit over the top of the container base and seal the storage
space of the base. Multiple lids can be snapped together to keep
the lids together when not in use. In another example, a single lid
may be snapped onto the bottom of an associated container base to
keep the lid and container base together. In yet another example,
multiple lids may be snapped together to form a stack that is then
snapped onto the bottom of either a single container base or
multiple container bases nested and stacked together. In still
another example, a container sealed with a lid can be snapped onto
a lid of another container base sealed with a lid. In another
example, the disclosed container bases can also be nested together
regardless of base volume.
[0029] Currently known plastic storage containers are typically
stored in a kitchen cabinet or pantry area when not in use.
However, many homes are not equipped with adequate storage space,
especially for kitchen and food related storage items. Most users
have a variety of container sizes with associated lids that are
sized and shaped to fit a particular container to seal the
container when in use. Currently known plastic storage containers
typically take up a large amount of cabinet storage space since the
container bases and lids are fairly rigid. A typical user may store
the container bases and lids separately in the cabinet or pantry.
Users often complain that the containers and lids become separated
in the cabinet or pantry, requiring time and effort to find the lid
that matches the desired container. Even when a base and lid
organizer or rack is employed, it can still be difficult for a user
to find a desired base and the appropriate lid for that base. Some
users store their containers in a lid-on condition so that the
containers may be stacked and the lids readily located. However,
many cabinets and pantries are not tall enough to allow more than
two such assembled containers to be stacked, requiring the stacked
containers to be stored in a side-by-side condition. This method
takes up a lot of shelf space in the cabinet or pantry and leaves
significant cabinet or pantry storage space unused.
[0030] During use, plastic food storage containers hold food items
and either are stored in a refrigerator or are transported to
venues outside the home, such as, for example, to picnics, parties,
pot luck dinners, or church socials. Users often employ more than
one container to store or transport different food items and may
stack the various containers. Stacking the full containers in a
refrigerator, for example, provides organized storage. However, the
stacked containers may slide around, slide off of one another, tip
and fall, or otherwise become separated from each other. This can
create spills or a cluttered and unorganized refrigerator.
Additionally, when in use, users typically stack and carry fall
containers during transport. However, the full containers can
easily slip off of one another, tip and fall, and become separated.
This makes it difficult to carry and load the fall containers from
the home into a vehicle and to carry the containers from the
vehicle to the destination. Additionally, it can be difficult to
prevent the containers from becoming separated and sliding around
inside the vehicle during transport. This not only can make
transporting the full containers difficult but also can create the
possibility of food spillage.
[0031] The present invention overcomes these and other problems
with prior known containers by providing a storage container system
that includes one or more container bases and associated lids that
have unique snap features. The unique snap features are configured
so that the container bases and lids can be stacked to form a small
footprint and take up as little space as possible either in use
while storing food items in a refrigerator or in non-use while
being stored away in a cabinet or pantry. Additionally, the snap
features allow the container bases and lids to be stacked together
in a locked, stable, or secure manner to prevent separation to
facilitate storage or transport during use.
[0032] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one example of the
container system constructed in accordance with the teachings of
the present invention. The disclosed system can include a set 20 of
multiple containers 22, 24, and 26. Although the set 20 is shown to
include three containers, the invention is not limited to only
three containers and may include fewer or more than three
containers in the set. Also, the system can include multiple
containers of the same size or can include containers of different
storage capacity but utilizing a common lid size as shown in FIG.
1. In another example, the system can be provided with some
containers of the same size, some of different storage capacity but
with common lids, and some of different size and shape.
[0033] Each container 22, 24, and 26 of the disclosed example
includes a container base and a lid. For example, the container 22
includes a base 22a and a lid 22b. Likewise, the container 24
includes a base 24a and a lid 24b and the container 26 includes a
base 26a and 26b. The container bases in the set 20 in this example
have various capacities to store different amounts of food items.
For example, using the standard measuring cup capacity, the
respective container base capacities can be of a three cup
(container 22), five cup (container 24), and seven cup (container
26) storage capacity. However, these capacities are given only as
examples and the invention contemplates containers having other
storage capacities as well. While all of the bases 22a, 24a, and
26a can be of different interior capacities they are all of similar
construction in this example. The lids 22b, 24b, and 26b are formed
identically and are one-size-fits-all or universal so that any lid
can fit onto any base.
[0034] The bases and lids of the set 20 are shown to be of a
substantially square-like or generally rectangular cylinder shape.
However, other shapes and configurations of the bases and lids,
such as round or circular, are contemplated and are intended to
fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is not to be
limited to a specific container base and lid perimeter shape or
overall contour.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2, structural details of a
representative base 30 and lid 32 are shown. The representative lid
and base include features that can equate to the features of any of
the aforementioned containers 22, 24, or 26. The base 30 and the
lid 32 can be used together as a representative container 33. The
base 30 has a continuous side wall 34 and a bottom 36 that defines
an interior storage space 38. In this example, the side wall 34 and
the bottom 36 form a substantially square cylinder shape, but with
rounded corners and a slight outwardly tapered side wall as are
known in the art. As noted above, other shapes and configurations
are contemplated and fall within the scope of the invention. The
specific dimensions of the side wall 34 and the bottom 36 may vary
yet remain within the scope of the invention as well. The side wall
34 extends upwardly and generally outwardly from a perimeter of the
bottom 36 and terminates at a top edge 40 that defines an open top
42. The open top 42 of the base 30 in this example can be identical
in size and shape, regardless of interior volume, to other
containers of the system so that all lids fit all bases.
[0036] The lid 32 is formed with features that allow it to cover
and seal the open top 42 of the container base 30. As shown in
FIGS. 2, 3A-3C, 4A, and 4B, the lid 32 has a top side 44, a bottom
side 46, a main panel section 48 and a perimeter skirt assembly 50.
The skirt assembly 50 circumvents the perimeter of the main panel
section 48 and in this example has a generally inverted U-shape in
cross section. As will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the
art, the skirt assembly can very in configuration and construction
and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In this example, the skirt assembly 50 has an inner wall 52 that
extends generally normal or perpendicularly upward from the plane
of the main panel section 48. The inner wall 52 continues into a
top wall 54, which in turn continues to an outer skirt wall 56 that
extends generally downward from the top wall 54. The outer skirt
wall 56 is spaced from inner wall 52 and forms an annular channel
58.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lid 32 fits over the base
30 so that the top edge 40 of the side wall 34 is received within
the channel 58. In this in use configuration, the lid 32 covers and
closes off the open top 42 to seal the storage space 38. The top
side 44 faces upward and the bottom side 46 faces downward into the
interior storage space of the container 33. The shape and
construction of the skirt assembly 50 can vary and yet remain
within the scope of the invention. In addition, other lid-to-base
seal configurations can be utilized on the storage container and
container system components disclosed herein and yet fall within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0038] In this example, the outer skirt wall 56 includes a
gradually thicker portion 64 that is shaped to form an annular seal
ridge 66 that extends radially inwardly around the inner surface of
the outer skirt wall 56 and is coincident with the greatest
thickness part of the thicker portion 64. An upper surface 68 is
positioned above the ridge 66 on the inside of the outer skirt wall
56. Moving up from the ridge 68, the upper surface 68 is angled
radially outwardly and meets an underside surface 70 of the top
wall 54. A lower surface 72 is positioned below the ridge 68 on the
inside surface of the outer skirt wall. Moving down from the ridge
68, the lower surface 72 is angled radially outwardly and meets a
lower edge 74 of the outer skirt wall 56. The base 30 has an
annular flange or rim 76 that extends radially outwardly from and
circumferentially around the side wall 34. The rim 76 is located
near the top edge 40 of the side wall 34, but spaced below the top
edge. An upper portion 78 of the side wall 34 is thus defined above
the rim 76 and is angles slightly radially outward. When the lid 32
is fit onto the base 30 to seal off the open top 42, the upper
portion 78 of the base side wall 34 is received in the channel 58
of the lid 32. The ridge 66 of the thickened portion 64 and the
upper surface 68 of the inside of the skirt wall 56 bear with some
interference against the outside surface of the upper side wall
portion 78. The top edge 40 of the base 30 and the underside
surface 70 of the top wall 54 or the skirt assembly are drawn
toward one another to bear against one another by their relative
cylinder sizes and the relative surface-to-surface interference.
This creates a seal at the interface between the upper surface 68
on the skirt wall and the sidewall portion 78, as well as between
the top edge 40 and the underside surface 70 of the skirt
assembly.
[0039] As seen in FIGS. 3A-3C and 5, the lids 30 include a first
snap structure 80 to allow lid-to-lid attachment for stacking lids.
FIG. 5 shows the lid 32 attached to a second lid 132 forming a
lid-to-lid stack of just two lids. Any number of like lids can be
connected in a stack. The first snap structure 80 can be formed in
a number of alternative ways that differ from the structures shown.
In one example, the parts of the first snap structure 80 can be
provided having an inverse part orientation from that shown, and
yet remain within the scope of the invention.
[0040] In the disclosed example, the first snap structure 80 for
lid-to-lid connection includes two components that mate with one
another. Both components are provided as a feature of the lid
structure. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and 5, one component of the
first snap structure 80 is a plurality of lip or bead 82 formed on
the top side 44 of the lid. In this example, four bead or lip
segments 82 are positioned spaced apart around and extending
radially inward from the inside surface of the inner skirt wall 52.
In this example, the inner skirt wall 52 has four generally flat
sections 84 created as a result of the generally square lid
configuration and a bead segment 82 protrudes from each wall
section 84. Each of the beads or lips 82 is positioned at the upper
end of the inner skirt wall 52 near the intersection with the top
wall 54 of the skirt assembly 50. Thus, each bead or lip 82 creates
an undercut between the bead or lip and the main panel section 48
at the base of the wall 52 on each flat 84.
[0041] The mating component of the first snap structure 80 is on
the bottom side 46 of the lid 32 in this example. The disclosed
mating part includes four complimentary angled protrusions or ribs
86. Each rib 86 is positioned generally at the base of the inner
wall 52 where the skirt assembly meets the main panel section 48.
Each rib 86 extends downward and is angled radially outward. A
radially outward facing groove or recess 88 is thus formed on the
outside facing surface of each rib 86 at the intersection between
the rib and the underside of the lid at the base of the inner wall
52. The ribs 86 in this example are positioned beneath and aligned
with the beads or lips 82 on the top side 44 of the lid 32.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, in order to stack two lids 32 and 132 in
a lid-to-lid configuration the lips or beads 82 on the top side 144
of the lower lid 132 are forcibly and securely snapped into a
corresponding one of the grooves or recesses 88 on the bottom side
46 of the upper lid 32 in the stack. The bottom edge 74 of the
outer skirt wall 56 of the upper lid 32 rests against the top
portion 154 of the bottom lid 132 when stacked.
[0043] In this example, each lip or bead 82 projects radially
inward and each annular recess 88 faces radially outward on the
representative lid 32 to receive one of the lips 88 of an adjacent
lid. However, as noted above, this arrangement could be inverted
and the details of the particular structures can vary from those
shown. Alternative mating snap component structures can be utilized
and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
For example, the lips or beads 82 can be formed having more or less
than four segments and can be placed at different locations on the
lid from that shown. Also, a continuous annular lip or bead can
also be utilized, if desired. The same variations can be employed
for the ribs or protrusions 82 and the grooves 88 as well.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7, and 8, a second snap structure
90, which is different from the first snap structure 80, provides
for a lid-to-base snap connection whereby a lid 32 is snapped onto
the bottom 36 of a base 30. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 6A, 6B,
and 8, a first component of the snap structure 90 is formed on the
top side 44 of the lid 32 and a second component of the snap
structure 90 is formed on the bottom 36 of the base 30. In one
example, the first component of the snap structure 90 is created by
a downwardly recessed region 92 in the main panel section 48 of the
lid 32. The recessed region 92 is smaller than the perimeter of the
main panel section 48 and thus is spaced inward from the inner wall
52 of the skirt assembly 50. A surrounding wall 94 transitions
between the top surface of the recessed region 94 and the top side
44 of the main panel section 48. Similar to the first snap
structure components, the surrounding wall has four generally flat
sections 95 as a result of the substantially square lid
configuration in this example. A plurality of protrusions 96 extend
radially inward, one from each flat sections 95 of the surrounding
wall 94, and define a plurality of undercuts 97, one below each
protrusion. In this example, there are four protrusions and four
undercuts.
[0045] The second component of the snap structure 90 is formed as a
part of a foot or rib 98 that depends downward from the bottom 36
of the base 30. A plurality of flanges 99 in this example project
radially outward from the bottom of the foot 98. Each flange 99 is
positioned to coincide with the positioning of the undercuts 97 on
the lid 32. The foot 98 in this example is a continuous annular rib
on the base bottom 36, but can also be formed as a plurality of
feet, each having one of the flanges extending therefrom. A channel
100 is formed facing radially outward between each flange 99 and
the surface of the bottom 36 of the base 30. Again, the mating
components of the lid-to-base snap structure 90 can also vary and
yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The
features as disclosed herein can also be inverted and placed on the
opposite parts.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 6B, when a lid 32 is snapped to a base
bottom 36 the protrusions 96 on the lid 32 cooperate with and are
received in corresponding ones of the channel 100 on the base.
Also, the flanges 99 on the foot 98 of the base bottom 36 are
simultaneously received in the undercuts 97 to provide a snap fit
connection between base bottom and lid. More specifically, as best
shown in FIG. 8, the flanges 99 and foot 98 on the base 30 are
interferingly forced into the recessed region 92 on the top side 44
of the lid. The flanges 99 snap into the undercuts 97 and the
protrusions on the lid snap into the channels 100 on the foot 98.
The overlapping interference in the radial direction of the flanges
99 and the protrusions 96 holds the lid 32 attached to the base
30.
[0047] Multiple lids and bases can be used together in a variety of
configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a lid can be
coupled to the top of a single base for use as a sealed storage
container. For example, the single container 24 includes the single
base 24a and single lid 24b. Another configuration is shown in FIG.
7, in which multiple assembled containers 33, 233, and 333 are
connected to form a stable stack of containers. The container 33
includes the base 30 and the lid 32. Likewise the container 233
includes the base 230 and the lid 232 and the container 333
includes the base 330 and the lid 332. The stack is formed by
snapping the flanges 99 of the foot 98 of one base into the
recessed region 292 of an adjacent lid 232 and so on. The stack in
FIG. 7 may be formed of multiple containers of any combination of
different sizes or multiple same sized containers as is shown. This
construction allows a full container with its sealed lid to be
snapped on top of the sealed lid of another full container. This
facilitates transport of multiple, full containers stacked on top
of one another without the containers on top sliding off those
below.
[0048] In another example shown in FIG. 8, individual bases without
lids can be nested to form a nested base stack for storage. For
example, one base 30 can be nested within an identical same size
base 130. The nested base stack can be formed of nested same-size
bases or bases of different graduated or non-graduated sizes.
Nesting smaller capacity bases within larger capacity bases
provides for more efficient use of storage space, but the container
bases can be stacked and nested as desired. The nested base stack
can also be connected to one or more stacked lids 32 and 132 that
are snapped onto the bottom of the lower-most base. For example, a
stack of the lids 32 and 132 can be snapped together and snapped
onto to bottom of the lowermost base 130 of the nested base
stack.
[0049] In another example, the lids may be formed with a finger
grip structure to facilitate removal of a lid secured to a base
covering the open top. For example, a finger grip tab 110 can be
formed to extend radially outwardly from the outer lower edge of
the skirt assembly 50 on the container 33. The finger grip can be
formed as a tab 110 only along a portion of the skirt assembly,
such as on a corner of the square lids as shown herein, or can
extend entirely around the skirt. In yet another example (not
shown), a finger grip structure can be formed generally by
extending a part of the skirt outer wall 56 generally radially
outward.
[0050] In the example shown and described above, the container
bases are of varying capacities with open tops that are identical
in size and shape regardless of interior capacity. The lids are
identical one-size-fits-all or universal lids. However, this
invention can encompass a container system in which some different
sized container bases have different sized open tops with lids
sized only to fit a particular associated container base top
opening size. However, the various lid-to-lid and lid-to-base snap
structures can be formed to allow the different sized lids and/or
bases to snap to any size lid or base. In another example, a system
can be provided with several series of container base sizes. Each
series can have bases with different capacities but the same size
and shape top opening. Another series of that system can be
provided with bases of different capacities and with top opening
sizes and shapes that are common to one another but different from
the other series.
[0051] The bases and lids can be formed from any suitable material
and can be fabricated using any suitable process or method. In one
example as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the lids can be a one-piece
injection molded polypropylene or polyethylene and the bases can be
injection molded polypropylene. In another example as shown in FIG.
9, a lid 432 of a container 433 can be dual molded from two (or
more) different materials to achieve a number of different desired
affects, such as improved functionality of the several snap and
seal structures, aesthetic appearance, or the like. A portion of
the lid 432 can be fabricated from opaque and/or colored material
and a portion can be fabricated from a clear, transparent, or
semi-transparent material. The two materials can have different
textures, flexibility characteristics, surface friction
characteristics, and the like.
[0052] A base 430 of the container 433 can also be dual molded from
multiple different materials if desired, and for the same reasons.
For example, the majority of the side wall and bottom can be formed
from a substantially rigid, clear, transparent, or semi-transparent
material. A portion of the base, such as the bottom foot or rib
(described below) and/or parts of the rim or side wall can be
formed from a different opaque and/or colored material to achieve
improved seal and snap functionality and a desired aesthetic
appearance. Alternatively, the base 430 as shown can be molded
entirely of a single clear, transparent plastic material. Other
materials can certainly be utilized to fabricate the bases and/or
the lids as disclosed herein.
[0053] By providing lids and bases with mutually exclusive snap
structures for lid-to-lid and lid-to-base attachments, the
containers can be designed with greater variation in features. The
components of one snap structure can be placed wherein desired on
the base and lid parts without affecting the design of the other
snap structure. The reverse is also true. Thus greater design
flexibility can be achieved in the container products. Also, the
disclosed container system permits greater variation in
functionality during use. The lids and bases can be stacked,
organized, and maintained in a greater number of different
alternatives when stored during non-use than are permitted by prior
art designs. During use, the containers can be stacked in a stable
fashion to prevent spillage and can be stacked, carried, and
transported during use much easier than prior known containers and
systems.
[0054] Although certain storage containers and systems have been
described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present
disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited
thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the
teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of
permissible equivalents.
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